Chicago Nightlife

Chicago Nightlife

Chicago's lively social scene is fluidly cosmopolitan and trendy, and with last-call hours rolled back to 3 and 5 am on Saturdays, there's plenty of time to unwind.
To help you navigate, we put together our pick at the best clubs in Chicago.

Best Clubs in Chicago

East Room | Logan Square

The hip urban vibes at this place start at its unusual entrance, with an old steel staircase rising along a street-art covered wall and onto a conspicuous door. Crowd sizes will vary, although busier nights will see lines that round the block, with sets from renowned acts like Gaslamp Killer or Nosaj. Despite this, the cool underground vibes and 4 am license make this a great place to spend the night, start it, or end it.

Studio Paris | River North

The sleek nightclub above the French restaurant, Paris Club, has a lounge-like feel to it—and the classy decor to match. Arrive later in the night for a livelier scene, and perhaps opt for bottle service to take up one of its tables. If you visit on a warm night, the top roof retracts and turns the place into an open air terrace. Top resident DJs and touring house names are regular weekend attractions, so great music is always assured.

Smart Bar | Lakeview

Rife with deep house history, this busy club boasts a Funktion One sound system that will put music in your bones. Regularly seeing an eclectic and vibrant young crowd, the central dance floor is regularly livened by both international DJs on weekends, and a local roster popular indie bands on weekdays. Smart Bar is a great spot any night of the week.

Baby Atlas | Lakeview

Little off the beaten path and essentially hidden underneath the sports bar Matilda, this sordidly fun club is a welcome alternative to the more top-dollar options around the city. Reminiscent of bygone college apartment parties, the place is small enough to offer an intimate hangout and a purely esoteric music scene. Expect a casual ambiance with all types of crowds, and plenty of cheap drinks to choose from.

Beauty Bar | Noble Square

We'll start by saying that if you happen to have left your house in a rush, and still need some grooming, you can step up to this club and get your nails done while an electro dance party rages on. The 60's beauty salon-inspired club makes our list for hosting great DJs and offering up a refreshing new concept to the often formulaic club scene. The bartenders aren't joking either, and service is consistently speedy and on point.